Tossing game and method of play

ABSTRACT

A ring tossing game wherein two or more players compete by tossing rings toward a target structure whereby points are accumulated. Each target structure is elongate and has a first upper surface portion upon which a player may stand while tossing rings toward an opposing structure, and a second upper surface portion defining a plurality of longitudinally aligned ring-receiving bores. A plurality of lightweight rings, sized for mating reception within the ring-receiving bores, is provided for tossing. A point system is disclosed wherein points are awarded to a player upon successfully tossing his or her ring(s) into the target structure bores, and points are deducted when a player exceeds a predetermined score and/or when certain tosses result in point reduction. Scoreboards are provided for all players to facilitate score keeping.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] N/A

STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

[0002] N/A

COPYRIGHT NOTICE

[0003] A portion of the disclosure of this patent document containsmaterial that is subject to copyright protection. The copyright ownerhas no objection to the facsimile reproduction by anyone of the patentdocument or patent disclosure as it appears in the Patent and TrademarkOffice patent file or records, but otherwise reserves all copyrights.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0004] 1. Field of the Invention

[0005] The present invention relates to games of skill and strategy, andmore particularly to a tossing game and method of play wherein pointsare accumulated by tossing rings toward one or more target structures.

[0006] 2. Description of the Background Art

[0007] Games for recreational entertainment that involve tossing anobject toward a target are well known in the art. One of the best knowngames of this kind is “horseshoes”. Horseshoes is played using real orsimulated horseshoes that are tossed at an upstanding stake that ispartially driven into the ground. Horseshoes, while popular, suffersfrom a number of significant disadvantages, including the heaviness ofthe horseshoes, the need to pound the stakes into the ground that can bea difficult task, and the potential harm present should a tossedhorseshoe miss its mark and instead contact a person or fragile article.

[0008] Accordingly, the prior art reveals games that provide alternatesolutions to the problems inherent with the game of horseshoes. While acommon thread exists among the prior art games, the tossing of one ormore rings, instead of heavy horseshoes, toward a target for thepurposes of achieving the highest score based upon accuracy of the toss,there still remains a need in the art to provide a ring toss game inwhich the game may be played indoors or outdoors, on land or water (suchas a pool), with apparatus that is easily convertible for eitherenvironment of use.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0009] The present invention provides an improved ring tossing gamewherein two or more players compete by tossing rings toward a targetstructure whereby points are accumulated. Each target structure is anelongate structure having a first upper surface portion upon which aplayer may stand while tossing rings toward an opposing structure, and asecond upper surface portion defining a plurality of longitudinallyaligned ring-receiving bores. A plurality of lightweight rings, sizedfor mating reception within the ring-receiving bores, are provided fortossing. A point system is disclosed wherein points are awarded to aplayer upon successfully tossing his or her ring(s) into the targetstructure bores, and points are deducted when a player exceeds apredetermined score and/or when certain tosses result in pointreduction. Scoreboards are provided for all players to facilitate scorekeeping.

[0010] Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to providean improved tossing game.

[0011] Another object of the present invention is to provide andimproved ring-tossing game capable of being played on land or on water.

[0012] Still another object of the present invention is to provide animproved method of play and scoring for a ring tossing game.

[0013] Still further objects and advantages will become apparent from aconsideration of the ensuing description and drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

[0014]FIG. 1 is a top front perspective view of a preferred embodimenttarget structure according to the present invention;

[0015]FIG. 2 is a top rear perspective view thereof;

[0016]FIGS. 3 and 4 are bottom perspective view thereof;

[0017]FIG. 5 is a composite exploded top perspective view showing atarget structure and rings;

[0018]FIG. 6 is a composite exploded bottom perspective view thereofwith a portion of the rings depicted in exploded view;

[0019]FIG. 7 is an alternate view thereof depicting all of the rings inexploded view;

[0020]FIG. 8 depicts a front top perspective view of an alternateembodiment target structure according to the present invention;

[0021]FIG. 9 depicts a rear top perspective view thereof;

[0022]FIG. 10 is a bottom perspective view thereof;

[0023]FIG. 11 is a top exploded perspective view thereof;

[0024]FIG. 12 depicts a top perspective view of another alternateembodiment target structure;

[0025]FIG. 13 depicts a bottom perspective view thereof;

[0026]FIGS. 14 and 15 depict a top perspective view of yet anotheralternate embodiment target structure;

[0027]FIG. 16 illustrates a pair of target structures and score boardspositioned for play;

[0028]FIGS. 17 and 18 are detailed views of a ring used in accordancewith the present invention;

[0029]FIG. 19 depicts a first scoreboard and scoreboard base accordingto the present invention;

[0030]FIG. 20 depicts and exploded view thereof;

[0031]FIG. 21 depicts a second scoreboard according to the presentinvention;

[0032]FIG. 22 is a partial detailed view thereof; and

[0033]FIGS. 23 and 24 depict a base for the scoreboards.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0034] The present invention provides an improved ring tossing gamewherein two or more players compete by tossing rings toward targetstructures, each of which defines a plurality of ring receiving bores.In addition to game playing apparatus, methods of play, strategy, andscoring are disclosed.

[0035] 1. Game Apparatus

[0036] FIGS. 1-7 depict a preferred embodiment of target structures,generally referenced as 10, in accordance with the present invention.Target structures 10 are preferably elongate structures having a topsurface including a first portion 12 upon which a player may stand whiletossing rings toward an opposing structure, and a second portion 14defining a plurality of vertically oriented and longitudinally alignedring receiving bores 16A, 16B and 16C. There are preferably three (3)ring receiving bores longitudinally spaced and aligned on portion 14 oftarget structure 10. The top surface of target structure 10, andparticularly first portion 12 thereof is preferably textured and/orincludes a covering (such as indoor/outdoor carpet) to provide tractionand insure adequate footing. Target structures 10 may be fabricated fromthermoformed plastic, injection molded plastic, blow molded plastic,extruded plastic, wood, fiberglass, fiber or wood composites, or anyother suitable material. The embodiment depicted in FIGS. 1-7 is ablow-molded embodiment that is preferably watertight and defines asubstantially hollow interior. Target structure 10 further includes awater inlet and removable cap, generally referenced as 18, to permit theintroduction of water into target structure 10 for weighing thestructure down for use on land. Conversely, when the hollow interior isnot filled, target structure 10 is buoyant such that it will float onthe surface of a body of water, such as a pool or pond, for water play.Cap 18 may be connected to the water inlet via threaded connection, snapconnection, or any other suitable fastening means.

[0037] FIGS. 8-11 depict an alternate embodiment target structure,referenced as 30. Target structure 30 is preferably an elongatestructure having a top surface including a first portion 32 upon which aplayer may stand while tossing rings toward an opposing structure, and asecond portion 34 defining a plurality of vertically oriented andlongitudinally aligned ring receiving bores 36. There are preferablythree (3) ring receiving bores 36 longitudinally spaced and aligned onthe top portion 34 of target structure 30. Target structure 30 mayfurther define a slotted recess 38 for receiving rings for temporarystorage before, during, or after play as best depicted in FIG. 8. Thetop surface of target structure 30, and particularly first portion 32thereof is preferably textured and/or includes a covering (such asindoor/outdoor carpet) to provide traction and insure adequate footing.Target structures 30 may be fabricated from thermoformed plastic,injection molded plastic, blow molded plastic, extruded plastic, wood,fiberglass, fiber or wood composites, or any other suitable material.

[0038] FIGS. 12-13 and 14-15 depict further alternate embodiments forthe target structures. More particularly, FIGS. 12-13 depict analternate embodiment target structure, referenced as 40. Targetstructure 40 is preferably an elongate structure having a top surfaceincluding a first portion 42 upon which a player may stand while tossingrings toward an opposing structure, and a second portion 44 defining aplurality of vertically oriented and longitudinally aligned ringreceiving bores 46. There are preferably three (3) ring receiving bores46 longitudinally spaced and aligned on the top portion 44 of targetstructure 40. Target structure 40 may further define a slotted recess 48for receiving rings for temporary storage before, during, or after play.The top surface of target structure 40, and particularly first portion42 thereof is preferably textured and/or includes a covering (such asindoor/outdoor carpet) to provide traction and insure adequate footing.Target structures 40 may be fabricated from thermoformed plastic,injection molded plastic, blow molded plastic, extruded plastic, wood,fiberglass, fiber or wood composites, or any other suitable material.

[0039] FIGS. 14-15 depict yet another alternate embodiment targetstructure, referenced as 50. Target structure 50 is preferably anelongate structure having a top surface including a first portion 52upon which a player may stand while tossing rings toward an opposingstructure, and a second portion 54 defining a plurality of verticallyoriented and longitudinally aligned ring receiving bores 56. There arepreferably three (3) ring-receiving bores 56 longitudinally spaced andaligned on the top portion 54 of target structure 50. Target structure50 may further define a circular recess 58 for receiving rings fortemporary storage before, during, or after play. The top surface oftarget structure 50, and particularly first portion 52 thereof ispreferably textured and/or includes a covering (such as indoor/outdoorcarpet) to provide traction and insure adequate footing. Targetstructures 50 may be fabricated from thermoformed plastic, injectionmolded plastic, blow molded plastic, extruded plastic, wood, fiberglass,fiber or wood composites, or any other suitable material.

[0040] In a preferred embodiment, each target structure is approximatelyfour (4) feet in length, one (1) foot wide, and two (2) inches inheight. Each ring-receiving bore is approximately five inches (5″) indiameter, spaced six inches (6″) apart and four inches (4″) from thefront of the target structure. While the dimensions disclosed arepreferable variations thereto are considered within the scope of thepresent invention.

[0041]FIGS. 16 and 17 depict a ring, typical of the rings used in thetossing game of the present invention. More particularly, six rings,referenced as 20, are provided as tossing objects for use with the game.Each ring is approximately four inches (4″) in diameter, which sizeallows the ring to be concentrically received within one of the fiveinch (5″) diameter ring-receiving bores 16 of target structure 10 in theevent of a successful toss thereof during play. In a preferred,two-player embodiment, first and second color-coded sets or rings areprovided (e.g. 3 red and 3 white rings). Each ring 20 may be fabricatedfrom plastic, wood, metal, rubber, fiberglass and/or composite, or anyother suitable material. The rings are preferably relatively lightweightfor ease of handling and tossing.

[0042] FIGS. 18-23 depict a scoreboard assembly, generally referenced as60 for use with the present invention. The scoreboard assembly includesscoreboard 62 and base 64 for each player (e.g. red, white, etc.). In apreferred embodiment, scoreboard 62 comprises an elongate member havinga top portion 66 having indicia thereon to facilitate score keeping, anda bottom portion 68 terminating in a pointed end for supportingscoreboard 62. Top portion 66 preferably includes a plurality ofapertures, preferably 26, and corresponding numerical indicia to enablescoring up to a maximum of 26 points. A peg (not shown) may be removableinserted in one of said apertures to indicate the present score.Scoreboard 62 by me inserted into base 64 in a vertically uprightconfiguration. Alternatively, scoreboard 62 may be inserted into theground like a stake without use of base 64. As depicted in FIGS. 19, 22,and 23, base 64 includes a slotted aperture 65 for receiving the endportion of scoreboard bottom portion 68 therein when base 64 is used tosupport scoreboard 62 in a vertical configuration. Base 64 may also bebuoyant and have properly positioned ballast such that the scoreboardassembly may float in a body of water in situations wherein the game isplayed in an aquatic environment.

[0043] 2. Method of Play

[0044]FIG. 24 illustrates the relative positions of the variousapparatus configured for play. A pair of target structures, referencedas 10A and 10B respectively, is positioned in opposing spaced relation.In a preferred embodiment, the target structures are spacedapproximately ten feet (10′). While standing on the first portion 12 oftarget structure 10A, a first player tosses three (3) rings at opposingtarget structure 10B, each time attempting to toss the ring into one ofthe ring-receiving bores. After the first player has tossed all threerings, it is the second player's turn to toss his/her three rings. Theobject is to be the first to reach a predetermined point total, whichpoint total is twenty-six (26) points in the preferred embodimentdepicted in FIG. 24.

[0045] Points are awarded for rings that come to rest within one of thering-receiving bores in a concentric nested position as depicted in FIG.3. No points are awarded unless the ring is axially aligned within aring-receiving target structure bore. Longer successful tosses are worthmore than shorter tosses. For example, with reference to FIG. 24, eachring received within the bore nearest the player (i.e. ring-receivingbore 16A) is worth 1-point, each ring received within middle bore 16B isworth 3-points, and each ring received within the farthest bore 16C isworth 5-points. Each player has a scoreboard for use in keeping track ofhis or her individual score. Points obtained by the first player may becancelled if the second player successfully covers the first player'sring. At the conclusion of each round points are totaled and the playerwith the highest point total has the first turn in the next round.

[0046] In a preferred embodiment and exact score (e.g. 26 points) isrequired to win. The first player to obtain 26 points, without goingover, at the conclusion of a round wins. If, in a round, a playerobtains a number of points that brings that player's score over 26points, then that player scores no points for that round. Accordingly,players are constantly required to utilize strategy regarding the numberof points to shoot for (i.e. 1, 3, or 5) for any given toss, and skillto hit the proper target. Furthermore, since points may be cancelled thesecond player may prevent the first player from winning by canceling thefirst player's final round points (i.e. points obtained by the firstplayer to reach 26) with a covering throw.

[0047] The instant invention has been shown and described herein in whatis considered to be the most practical and preferred embodiment. It isrecognized, however, that departures may be made therefrom within thescope of the invention and that obvious structural and/or functionalmodifications will occur to a person skilled in the art.

What I claim is:
 1. A method of playing a game, comprising the steps of:providing first and second target structures, each target structurehaving a generally planar elongate top surface, said top surface havinga longitudinal axis, said top surface having a first portion thereofupon which a person may stand while playing and a second portion thereofdefining first, second, and third vertically oriented bores positionedin longitudinal alignment, said bores each having a substantiallysimilar diameter; providing a plurality of rings, each of said ringshaving a diameter less than the diameter of said bores; providing firstand second score boards for keeping score, said score boards includingmeans for indicating points accumulated during play; placing said firstand second target structures approximately ten feet apart and inlongitudinal alignment; having a first player stand on said firstportion of said first target structure and toss N rings toward the boresin the second target structure, and having a second player stand on saidfirst portion of said first target structure and toss N rings toward thebores in the second target structure, wherein the tossing of N rings byeach of said first and second players constitutes a series; tallyingpoints accumulated by each of said first and second players at theconclusion of each series, whereby a low number of points are awardedfor each ring successfully tossed by a player into said first bore ofsaid second target structure, a medium number of points are awarded foreach ring successfully tossed by a player into said second bore of saidsecond target structure, and a high number of points are awarded foreach ring tossed by a player into said third bore of said second targetstructure; canceling points accumulated by each player when each playersuccessfully tosses a ring into the same bore; adding the net sum ofpoints accumulated during for each player at the conclusion of eachseries to each player's previous point total; subtracting the net sum ofpoints accumulated for a player at the conclusion of a series if addingthe net sum of points accumulated for that player during the series tothat player's previous point total exceeds a predetermined maximumscore; winning the game by accumulating points that exactly total saidpredetermined maximum score.
 2. A method of playing a game according toclaim 1, wherein each of said target structures is watertight anddefines an internal chamber.
 3. A method of playing a game according toclaim 2, wherein each of said target structures includes a fill portcommunicating with said internal chamber.
 4. A method of playing a gameaccording to claim 1 wherein said target structure top surfaces arecovered by carpet material.